robinbK900NB
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I almost don’t want to brag on this wonderful property & keep it my little secret! From the very first inquiry Brete has been wonderful. This was our first trip to Maui, and honeymoon, and I had SO many questions. Brete was patient and such a great resource. You can really feel the aloha and pride they have for Maui. Not only was he helpful in our Airbnb chats, but he had one of the most thorough guidebooks at the condo. And a lovely touch, we had a handwritten welcome note and a few Maui treats to start our stay! ||Now on to the condo, G110 in the Ginger cluster (so cute) this is such a beautifully appointed home with the most wonderful patio (lanai) view! I am not a morning person, but I was up by 6:30 with my coffee on the lanai enjoying the sounds of the island waking up. The patio alone is reason to book this condo! All sorts of birds and of course, the famous Maui chickens, walk the lawn. One morning I saw a cute little mongoose of some sort! That was definitely not on my bingo card, but a magical moment. ||Also, the property is immaculate in its care…beautiful landscaping and I loved the Christmas decor. We had our own parking spot super close to the unit too. There is something so special about traveling to an island during Christmas time…we ended each night cuddled on the comfy couch watching holiday shows. ||Speaking of comfy, even though I don’t prefer a soft bed, I slept like a baby in the master bedroom. I really appreciated having 2 bathrooms, to get ready faster for our adventures! There’s even a 2nd lanai right off the bedroom, beautiful light in the mornings. Brete is thoughtful to offer beach chairs and fun equipment for the beach, saving us more money for Mai Tais!||I love to cook at home, but I took the honeymoon off…I did look into the kitchen, and not only do they have a lovely new stove, but they also had everything you could possibly need if you wanted to whip up meals. We only used the stove to reheat leftover kalua pork & pineapple pizza from South Shore Tiki Lounge. Please don’t judge, it’s fantastic with jalapenos! ||We ADORED our stay in Kihei, it’s such a great middle point between Lahaina and Wailea. So many wonderful beaches close by, Kamaole 1, 2, and 3, as well as Keawakapu. Parking was a breeze at all of these beaches and if you love snorkeling, you must add Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve to your list, 25 minutes south! ||My list of faves from our time in Kihei:|Water:|We rented paddle boards from Aunty Snorkel, great service and integrity. Ask for Mark or Jake! They checked conditions before completing our transaction, there’s no refunds for weather or wind conditions. ||Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel-the highlight of our trip, based in Lahaina. Try and reserve a tour with Captain Jill and Casey. I am an avid snorkeler and have been on countless excursions. These two ladies were so knowledgeable, and you could feel their “malama kai” care for the ocean. Two snorkel stops & we were fortunate to see whales, even though it was super early in the season November 28th!!! Breaching, blow spouts and three whale tails, great show. I can only imagine how it is in the swing of the whale season.||Food:||Nalu’s South Shore Grill had the best island pancakes, and my hubs raved about their fried mahi fish and chips (the chips were tempura green beans, yum)||Three’s Bar & Grill had the best Happy Hour, top-shelf Mai Tais for $9 and an extensive HH food selection. Ask for Paul’s section or sit at the bar with Chris…yes we went twice! FYI, there is a Maui HH app you can download and search by city! ||Ululani’s Shave Ice-get the Roselani’s ice cream in the middle and the milk topper, you won’t regret it! ||South Shore Tiki Lounge is in the perfect spot, right next to Kihei food truck’s (must get the chicken katsu curry at Happy Belly) and shopping at Kihei Kalama Village. My tip, sit in Janey’s section & have a few HH drinks and listen to live music here! Great way to unwind after a day of water activities. ||Kahale’s Bar- I love a dive bar and Kahale’s fit the bill! Local live music by Kenny K. Roberts and bartenders Dylan, Jeff, and “Stiffy” were an entertaining cast of characters! ||This condo is also really close to a Foodland (a Maui supermarket institution that is not to be missed!) The salt & vinegar chicken wings are to die for, and they have a fantastic deli, lots of great poke & local treats. ||Finally, we cannot recommend more, the talented artist Kiko Yamada, Ninjasketch! I had been following her for over a year, we had our honeymoon caricature done at Kalama Village. It was such a pleasure to meet her and hear her story. I love our artwork ❤️||To Brete and his family, Mahalo for opening your lovely home for others to enjoy. Maui at Christmas time will always have a special place in our heart, and you were part of that magic! And for my fellow travelers, and Airbnb’ers, don’t hesitate to book this condo, you won’t regret it.